Lausanne, Switzerland
International Boxing Association (IBA) Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE has presented the association’s six-year growth programme which is highlighted by the development of the sport well beyond competition, into social projects and programmes.
Addressing the 64th World Boxing Council (WBC) Annual Convention in Acapulco, Mexico, Roberts invited the boxing community to work together on developing young boxers. Roberts spoke on the third day of the convention at Palacio Mundo Imperial where he also thanked WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and the members of the WBC Board of Governors for the invitation.
Looking back at the IBA’s journey under the direct guidance of President Umar Kremlev, Roberts said the organisation’s work now reaches well beyond competition, into social projects and programmes that strengthen the sport as a whole.
“This is what we have been doing over the last six years. We are developing many projects in the social space and trying to look at the entire sporting ecosystem of boxing through different types of initiatives,” he said.
The main theme of his address was the pathway for young boxers from junior and youth categories to elite level. Roberts announced that the IBA is preparing a new project for 2027 that will offer competitive opportunities and prize money.
“We are looking at a new project for next year that will offer opportunities and prize money, creating the conditions for success for the boxers you represent, especially young athletes who are beginning their careers,” he said.
International Boxing Association CEO Chris Roberts presents Russia’s super heavyweight David Surov with his championship belt after he defeated Aman Makhanov of Uzbekistan 5-0 in Dubai in 2025. Roberts says the IBA is preparing a new project for 2027 that will offer competitive opportunities and prize money. PHOTO – IBA
He invited the delegates and promoters at the convention to work with the IBA so that their boxers can compete at its international events. “I would encourage you to work with us to help some of your boxers develop from the junior and youth categories through the senior and elite levels, so they can participate in some of our events,” Roberts said. “Points make prizes, prizes make money, and money will help the boxers,” he added.
Roberts explained that these rewards help improve training conditions and support boxers’ development, particularly in countries where resources for boxing remain limited.
He also outlined the IBA’s upcoming calendar, which begins with the IBA President’s Cup in Istanbul, Türkiye, at the end of 2026.
“We have a great event coming at the end of the year in Istanbul, the President’s Cup, followed by a women’s version next year and then onwards to the men’s World Championships,” he said.
After the presentation, Sulaimán thanked Roberts and confirmed that he had held discussions with IBA President Umar Kremlev.
“We have met and held discussions. There are areas where we are not compatible, but there are also areas where we are very much aligned, such as social responsibility, supporting amateur boxing programs, and helping developing countries,” Sulaimán said.
“I appreciate your coming here to make this presentation. The WBC continues to build relationships and always keeps its doors open to mutual collaboration,” he continued. “We hope that the areas where we are not currently aligned can find common ground in the future.” (IBA)
